When our Leh Ladakh trip was finalized, apart from visiting this spectacular landscape filled with magical scenic beauty, I wanted to explore the local delicacies, and cafes and visit shopping places offering exclusive Ladakhi items and souvenirs.
I watched various videos and read blogs, through which I came to know some of the must-visit shopping and food outlets.
I visited a few of them and discovered some new places which I am sharing below. Our experience was good except for one place. Keep reading to find out!
Where to Eat?
1. Naas Café, Leh
It is located at the heart of the Leh market. The ambiance is lively and cheerful with stunning interiors. I loved how beautifully they displayed these cute cups. The place is alluring enough to draw you in from the moment you enter the café.
The staffs were co-operative with good service. We had pizza and French fries which were luscious.
The price is average and worth the visit.
2. Chai Garam, Leh
While we were roaming around the Leh market, we stumbled upon this underrated café serving the best chai in town.
The ambience is cozy and warm, and they have made a sitting arrangement where you can enjoy your hot cup of tea along with stellar views of the market.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jenifer $ayyed (@shaandaar_jenie)
We relished chai, sandwich, and pakoras. The service was great and the price is average.
A must-visit for Chai lovers. They had not displayed their café name from the outside, even though it is on Main Street, so you may miss seeing it. Therefore, better for you to ask the local shops and visit this café.
3. Friends Café, Turtuk village
If you visit Turtuk (you should)in Leh Ladakh trip, then don’t miss to visit Friends’ Café which will satiate your soul.
It is an open place restaurant that offers a delicious variety of catering to all types of travelers. We had Hakka noodles, Thenthuk, Kissir, and fried rice.
I had never eaten such flavorous Hakka noodles in my life. Remembering it is making me crave for it. Damn! It was irresistible. There were some spices in it which made the noodle very palatable.
Even Thenthuk, a typical Tibetan noodle soup was delightful and served in this copper bowl. It treated and soothed our taste buds.
I was amazed that this non-Tibetan village can cook such flavorsome foods.
And the price was nothing compared to the food we had. It was so less that it again surprised me. A must-visit café in Turtuk village.
4. Momo Hut, Pangong
When in Ladakh, try local cuisine esp if you are visiting remote areas like Pangong.
Our vegetarian friends wanted to have a proper meal – roti & sabzi. While, we wanted to have veg local cuisine- noodles, soups, etc. So we ordered both.
Our dishes came soon and they had to wait a lot for their food.
At Pangong, you will find limited resources and staff, so it is idle that you opt for easy local foods to satisfy your tummy.
The soup, momos, and noodles were yummy. We had a great time having them.
5. Café Cloud, Thiksey
It is not worthy and am not recommending it 
The pizza, starter, and drinks were fine, but both the noodles were disappointing. Also, the price is expensive, so better to skip this place.
You can find a much better and cheaper place to eat.
6. The Tibetan Kitchen, Leh
Almost, every blogger and vlogger had mentioned the Tibetan Kitchen, as a must-visit place.
As well as a tourist we met during our trip gave rave reviews about this place. Hence we decided to visit this famous tourist food outlet before our departure.
The Tibetan Kitchen opens at 7 pm and we reached the place at 7: 30 pm. The tables were already full and we had to wait approx 45 min for our turn. Phew! So much wait, I hope it doesn’t disappoint us.
ThukpaThankfully it didn’t, we indulge ourselves with Tibetan cuisine- soup, momos, spring rolls, Thukpa, and Baglep that were finger-licking good 
The ambience is vibrant and influenced by Tibetan culture. They have both indoor and outdoor seating and the staffs were courteous.
Where to shop and what to shop?
1. Leh market
This market is so lively and zestful that anyone can spend hours and feel the Ladakhi vibes.
In Leh market, you can buy souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones. The local bazaars of Leh have many shops that sell Tibetan handicrafts and arts, silver jewelry, pashmina shawls, apricots, and many more.
We purchased fridge magnets, keychains, and earrings.
We also shop for apricots that are grown in this region and are widely famous.
2. Turtuk village shops
Turtuk is more famous for apricots. Therefore, if Turtuk is on your itinerary, then don’t forget to buy apricots.
We bought apricots and apricot lip balm.
I hope my recommendations and experience will be useful to you & you can enjoy having delicious meals at these places and enjoy your shopping.
Where to stay in Leh Ladakh? Our Hotels stay accommodation and experience.
